Overview
Eight days lets the Lemosho route breathe. You spend unhurried days in the rainforest, heath and moorland of the western flank and add a night at Shira Hut before joining the Machame trail for the summit push. It is one of the best acclimatization plans we offer.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) whenever you like. The airport transfer and your nights at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel are included, and you camp in tents throughout the climb.
See our guide to route length and summit success, or reach out to us to book your 8-day Lemosho climb.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (9 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Our driver meets you at the airport and brings you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, set on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. At 5:30 pm your guide runs the pre-climb briefing, checks your equipment and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
After breakfast we drive about two hours through the countryside to Londorossi Gate for park registration, continuing past farmland with views over the plains to the Lemosho trailhead. You begin walking through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
OUT OF THE FOREST TO SHIRA CAMP
The forest thins out and the trail climbs steadily with wide views to the rim of the Shira Plateau. A long day at a slow, steady pace brings you to Shira Camp.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp (3,550 m): about 6-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
SHIRA CATHEDRAL TO SHIRA HUT
An easy path leads over Shira Cathedral to Shira Hut. The camp is exposed, so the night is often colder than the last and well below freezing.
Shira Camp to Shira Hut (3,840 m): about 3-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
BELOW LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO VALLEY
A gradual climb with wide views crosses the south-western side of the mountain, under Lava Tower and the upper Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the base of Lava Tower (4,600 m), you walk down into the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m).
Shira Hut to Barranco Valley: about 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
A steep start takes you below the Heim Glacier with fine views, then up and over the Great Barranco Wall onto Kibo's south-eastern slopes. You cross the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley and finish with a steep climb to Karanga Camp.
Barranco to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
A slow, steady climb up the Barafu Ridge brings you to high camp. The afternoon is set aside for rest and an early night before the summit attempt.
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You set out before midnight and climb the volcanic scree slowly by head torch to Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim, resting as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue about two hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. The descent to Barafu is fast; after refreshments you continue down to Mweka Camp.
Barafu to the summit and on to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE, ARUSHA AND DEPARTURE
A gentle walk through the rainforest takes you down to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers are given their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and the night.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: about 3-5 hours on foot.
After saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you choose to add a short safari or another extension.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.